CVE-2025-9276: Cockroach Labs cockroach-k8s-request-cert Empty Root Password Authentication Bypass Vulnerability

Severity: critical (CVSS 9.8 v3.0)
Exploited in the wild: not listed in CISA KEV
EPSS: 0.7% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days
Public exploit or detection template: none known
Published: 2025-09-02 · updated 2026-06-17
Weakness: CWE-258

Description

Cockroach Labs cockroach-k8s-request-cert Empty Root Password Authentication Bypass Vulnerability. This vulnerability could allow remote attackers to bypass authentication on systems that use the affected version of the Cockroach Labs cockroach-k8s-request-cert container image. The specific flaw exists within the configuration of the system shadow file. The issue results from a blank password setting for the root user. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to bypass authentication on the system. Was ZDI-CAN-22195.

Affected products

Cockroach Labs cockroach-k8s-request-cert: all versions

References

https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-25-855/

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